Warning! Spoilers ahead for NCIS Season 22, Episode 16, “Ladies’ Night.”
In a refreshing callback to its earlier seasons, NCIS revives a crucial aspect of Timothy McGee’s character that fans have cherished over the years. While the original Major Crimes Response Team (MCRT) members have gradually exited the series, it still features two long-standing characters from its debut year—Brian Dietzen as the medical examiner Jimmy Palmer and Sean Murray as McGee. Although McGee was not part of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ JAG team, he remains one of the most beloved figures in the series, often evoking nostalgia for loyal viewers.
Regrettably, despite McGee’s rich character history and extensive experience as an NCIS agent, this season has left many fans feeling that McGee’s storyline is stagnating. Initially positioned for a promotion to Deputy Director, which he ultimately lost to a suspected mole, Gabriel LaRoche, developments regarding McGee’s trajectory have been minimal. However, Episode 16, “Ladies’ Night,”unexpectedly revives one of McGee’s most iconic traits in a delightful segment.
McGee’s Off-Day Takes a Gaming Turn in NCIS Season 22, Episode 16
A Longstanding Passion for Gaming
Although the episode primarily revolves around the team’s rare night off, it is soon interrupted by a case. Given that the case isn’t particularly urgent, the team allows Jessica Knight and Kasie Hines to proceed with their planned evening out. Meanwhile, Nick Torres discovers McGee engrossed in “Killing with Kindness 3”, as he aims to achieve his target game level. Before long, he is joined in his gaming session by Torres and, subsequently, Director Leon Vance.
For devoted NCIS fans, witnessing McGee indulge in his gaming passion is a nostalgic treat. Throughout the series, he has acquired numerous nicknames, including “Elf Lord,”which references his love for gaming. Considering the significant life events McGee has experienced, such as marriage and fatherhood, it is a pleasant surprise to see NCIS Season 22 revive this endearing aspect of his character.
Nostalgia Through the Lens of McGee’s “Elf Lord”Nickname
Reflecting on NCIS’ Golden Era
Earlier in the season, NCIS also revisited the character Thom E. Gemcity, indicating a nostalgic trend this season. Although Gemcity’s character arc slowed after an obsessive fan threatened Abby Sciuto, reconnecting with this previous storyline serves as a reminder of how much McGee—and indeed the series—has evolved. While the reunion with Gemcity was intriguing, seeing McGee engage in video gaming is a straightforward yet effective way to evoke fond memories.
The “Elf Lord”nickname remains one of McGee’s most cherished titles, particularly as Gibbs himself used it, despite often being wary of his team’s antics. It signifies a time in NCIS when the ensemble was at its peak, featuring characters like Gibbs, McGee, Tony DiNozzo, and Ziva David, among others. Reviving McGee’s gaming trivia not only serves as a charming nod to the past but also emphasizes his growth throughout his career in the series.